Thread: Independent National Convention

Originally Posted by Sailor

Another example, luckily now already dead was National Independence Party. Sounds patriotic but actually it was just pro-Russia hard line communists. By choosing such name they hoped that people would be stupid enough to put their vote basing only on nice, patriotic name and not caring about the agenda.

Here in USA in Massachusetts elections there are frequently people with last name Kennedy who aren't politicians or part of the Kennedy dynasty who register on the ballots, don't campaign or anything and get a decent number of votes just based on the name recognition.

A couple of years ago in Arizona there was a guy named Scott Fistler who really wanted to be a congressman - ran few times as a republican and it didn't work for him, so he switched parties and changed his name to a famous civil rights and labor leader. He was disqualified from running because many of the signatures he obtained were deemed as invalid.

We have a very sensible mostly middle of the road party called the Green Party. The have a few seats and have been at it for many years. It is unfortunate that we are always worried about either the Liberals or the Conservatives getting office, and the power always bounces back and forth between the two. The Democrats had a leader that was sure to slam it out of the park but got sick and died very quickly and just before the election. They have not had a hope since.

The 3rd party standard bearer ain't no prize. Johnson was Governor of this state. He's a rich guy who made his money in the construction business and is basically a guy with some crazy ideas when you get to the nitty gritty.

Originally Posted by kelbro

Well, with the two sideshows now behind us, what can we expect from the Indys?

I'm certain that this thread will be nowhere near as entertaining as the DNC or RNC threads

Au contraire mon ami! This thread has the potential to be much more entertaining and even more constructive. The independent candidates should be explaining to their direct constituents what we should expect from them if elected. That's the whole point of the process and in my opinion would be the best way for us to elect officials.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

While I firmly believe a 3rd party, that could actually produce some electable candidates, would be a great thing, I don't see that happening this time around. If Bernie or Donald went that way maybe a 3rd party would have a chance in the future. The meek shall inherit the earth but they don't stand a chance against the wolves.

If we're talking about an independent candidate then they wouldn't actually be a party. In fact that would work against the ideal and we would end up with more of the same. I agree that the right independent candidates could make a significant change to the political landscape. With enough of them in all the races "we the people" could become the wolves instead of the sheep. A collective of independent representatives at all levels of government is exactly what we need.

Originally Posted by kelbro

No doubt.

We need a 'None of the Above' party. If that were a choice on the ballot, they would sweep most elections!

But that would make it a party and that's where the slippery slope begins. Removing the party system could be our only chance to make real change that's truly reflective of the majority of citizens.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Before we get this thread started, please tell me what is an "Independent National Convention" ?
Is it like a giant gun show or county fair ?

Ah no. The former doesn't exist. The latter 2 do.

Originally Posted by gugi

I would expect that they would also vote on a party platform and other party business, possibly nominate candidates to run for president and vice president of usa. Then they won't win any national office, may be split at some point, but generally remain in obscurity for the foreseeable future.

I assume this was tongue in cheek as of course this would just make them another party and that's where the problems begin.

Originally Posted by Brenngun

I assume this was tongue in cheek as of course this would just make them another party and that's where the problems begin.

Nope, I was talking about the convention of these folks which I assumed is upcoming since they have a list of potential presidential nominees on the website.

Originally Posted by gugi

Nope, I was talking about the convention of these folks which I assumed is upcoming since they have a list of potential presidential nominees on the website.

Am familiar with this group. I didn't interpret the OP's original post and thread title to mean this group. I guess we should ask so OP if you're reading this can you clarify for us. Did you mean true independent candidates or the group Gugi referenced above?

Originally Posted by Brenngun

Am familiar with this group. I didn't interpret the OP's original post and thread title to mean this group. I guess we should ask so OP if you're reading this can you clarify for us. Did you mean true independent candidates or the group Gugi referenced above?

Was not aware of that group...